Money is at the centre of Chippa United’s withdrawal from the Home of Legends Cup involving four teams that include Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.
In the tournament, set to be held on November 16 with Golden Arrows the other team, Chippa United claimed they did not receive their fair share of cash and felt disrespected and mistreated, leading to their withdrawal.
“As a club deeply rooted in Gqeberha, we are disheartened by the lack of transparency in the planning of this event,” Chippa United said in their statement, also blaming Nelson Mandela Bay Development Agency CEO Anele Qaba for creating the chaos.
Why have Chippa quit the Home of Legends Cup?
“Despite our openness to collaboration and compromise, considering the high-profile teams involved, the agency’s CEO, Anele Qaba, has shown a disappointing reluctance to engage with us. One of our primary concerns is the unequal treatment in the distribution of funds and resources for this event.
“While the other three teams are offered fair compensation for participation, Chippa United FC was not offered the same participation fee. How are we expected to motivate our players when we cannot guarantee them bonuses from this tournament.”
The Chilli Boys blamed Qaba for frustrating their efforts to resolve the issue, forcing them into the decision to withdraw.
“Our attempts to address these concerns were dismissed, with Mr Qaba suggesting we should withdraw if we are not happy with the terms. Such an approach not only undermines our club but also strains the integrity of our partnership with the Nelson Mandela Municipality,” added the statement.
Nelson Mandela Municipality’s priorities questioned
“The agency’s decision to allocate millions of the municipality’s funds for this one-day event raises significant questions about the priorities of its leadership.
“Rather than investing in sustainable infrastructure, such as renovating facilities like the Isaac Wolfson Stadium-which currently does not meet PSL standards and would benefit the entire Gqeberha community, are instead being directed towards a brief tournament where visiting teams are unlikely to field their strongest squads.
“Following the CEO’s suggestion to withdraw if dissatisfied, we have decided to step back from this tournament. We wish all participating teams the best in the Home of Legends Cup.”
